Standing Desk Device with Lap Desk Functionality

ABSTRACT

A device providing multiple-functionality for use as a standing desk, podium, or a lap desk is disclosed. The device includes a platform and a support arm. The first end of the support arm hingedly connects underneath the platform. In one implementation, the device includes a strap extending from underneath the platform and connecting the support arm. The strap controls the angle of the support arm with respect to the platform and ensures the support arm stays in position. The device further includes a lip extending underneath one end of the platform. The lip mounts over the top of one side of a backrest of a chair. The other end of the support arm rests against opposite side of the backrest of the chair, causing the platform to mount substantially parallel to the ground and substantially perpendicular to the backrest of chair to use the platform as a standing desk. In one implementation, the support arm collapses under the platform, thereby allowing the platform for use as a lap desk.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/962,528, filed Jan. 17, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to the technical field of furniture. More specifically, the present invention relates to the technical field of a device that can be used as a desk while standing or sitting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People working on a computer sit for long periods of time each day. This poses a risk for developing physical strain and overuse injuries. Further, sitting for long periods may cause mental fatigue.

There are several styles of desks, and often a user requires more than one style of desk depending on the specified task and environment. To conserve space, some users prefer small desks platforms, rather than large, traditional desks or workstations. Also referred to as lap desks, these small desk platforms rest upon a user's lap while the user is in a seated position. Lap desks offer users a flat work surface and help to avoid the need for large desks or tables that require relatively large amounts of space in a room or office.

One solution to conserve space is a chair that can convert into a desk. One example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,051,960, entitled “Combination chair and desk apparatus” (“the '960 patent”). The '960 patent apparatus includes a frame, stationary member, pivot member, and latching device. The pivot member pivots with respect to the stationary member between a chair position and a table position, and the latching device latches the pivot member to the stationary member in the chair position and alternately in the table position.

Several attempts have been made to create adjustable desks. One such example is disclosed in European Patent Publication No. EP0305686A1 entitled “Standing-desk” (“the '686 Publication”). The '686 Publication discloses a standing desk that can be attached to a desk consisting of a support bar attached to the side of the desk, which supports the top of the standing desk.

Another example is disclosed in an European Patent Publication EP0911013 entitled “Standing desk with integrated means for aiding standing up” (“the '013 Publication”). The '013 Publication discloses a standing desk acting as a lifting column designed and extendable by means of a drive. The standing desk includes a table top unit attached to the top of the column by means of a spindle drive. The column or table top unit has a strap for lifting or lowering the desk as the person stands or sits.

Yet another example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,568, entitled “Standing desk accessory” (“the '568 patent”), issued to Goldberg, the inventor of the present application. The '568 patent discloses a portable standing desk accessory that can attach to the top of any standard office chair or other type of chair. The desk assembly includes a flat desk member, a first and second support member and a retaining bracket. The first and second support members are hingedly attached to each other at one end respectively. The first support member is hingedly attached to the underside of the desk member and ends up residing on the front surface of the office chair back when in use. The second support member forms a triangular structure by attaching the free end to a retaining bracket mounted to the underside of the desk top. A flexible strap can further retain the first support member to the chair back.

Some of the standing desks discussed above have several shortcomings. For instance, the standing desks disclosed in '686 Publication and '013 Publication include complex, costly mechanisms that allow the user to raise and lower the table or desk platform electronically, mechanically, or hydraulically. Further, the standing desks occupy a significant amount of space, specifically floor surface area, within an office or room.

The '568 patent solves some of the problems discussed above by providing a portable standing desk accessory that can attach to the top of any standard office chair or other type of chair, thereby saving space. Still, there is a need for an improved device over the standing desk disclosed in '568 patent, the device that allows the user to work while standing and sitting.

All patents, patent applications, and non-patent literature cited are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present embodiments seek to provide a solution to the problems outlined above by providing a device that attaches to an existing chair offering a desk platform that the user may use while in a standing position. Further, the present embodiments seeks to provide a desk platform that may be used upon the user's lap while the user is in a seated position.

In one aspect, a device attaches to an existing chair for use as a standing desk and folds (i.e. collapses) for use as a lap desk. The device includes a platform or desk platform and a support arm. A first end of the support arm hingedly connects to the bottom side of the platform. The device includes a strap extending from the bottom side of the platform and connecting the support arm. The strap controls the angle of the support arm with respect to the platform and ensures the support arm stays in position. The device includes a lip extending from the bottom side at one end of the platform. When using the device as a standing desk, the lip mounts (i.e. is placed over) one side of a chair such as the rear backrest of chair. The support arm rests against the chair at opposite side of the chair with respect to the lip, thus causing the device to brace against the chair and causing the platform to mount parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the backrest of the chair for use as a standing desk. The device mounts to any existing chair and uses the existing chair as the support structure for an upright workstation or standing desk.

In another aspect, the support arm collapses under the platform and allows the platform for use as a lap desk. This allows the user to efficiently transition from working in a standing or upright position to working in a seated position on a lap desk.

In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the device attaches and detaches from an existing chair. The device utilizes the structural features and capabilities of an existing chair as a foundation or support structure for use as a standing desk. In other words, the device utilizes the existing chair as a base of the standing desk (platform). This saves space within a room or office as the device utilizes only that surface area already occupied by the existing chair.

In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the device presents a portable configuration and allows for easy storage and transportation. The device easily installs and uninstalls due to its constructional features without requiring the user to train or have experience to use it. The device is smaller than most standing desks, and it requires fewer resources and materials to manufacture. The device can be manufactured more inexpensively than most standing desks and, therefore, be sold to consumers at a lower price point.

In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the device eliminates the need for a user to attain a separate standing table or desk, in addition to his or her traditional sitting desk or table that does not attach to the user's existing chair. This saves space for the user in the room or office.

In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the device can be used as a podium or a lectern for presentations.

Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGUREs. As will be realised, the subject matter disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary environment of a device attached to an existing chair, upon which a user places a computer and uses it as a standing desk;

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict the device in an expanded configuration that provides standing desk functionality, in perspective side view, respectively;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C depict the device in a collapsed configuration that provides lap desk functionality, in bottom perspective view, bottom plan view, and side view, respectively;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the device in the expanded configuration mounted to a chair for use as a standing desk;

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the device mounted to the chair, allowing the user to use the device over chair as a standing desk; and,

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 depict exemplary environment views of the user using the device as a lap desk.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a hinge bracket for use in the device.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the support arm having a first end bar and second end bar for use in the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may however be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and/or section from another element, component, region, layer, and/or section.

It will be understood that the elements, components, regions, layers and sections depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom,” “upper” or “top,” “left” or “right,” “above” or “below,” “front” or “rear,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to idealized embodiments of the present invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. The numbers, ratios, percentages, and other values may include those that are ±5%, ±10%, ±25%, ±50%, ±75%, ±100%, ±200%, ±500%, or other ranges that do not detract from the spirit of the invention. The terms about, approximately, or substantially may include values known to those having ordinary skill in the art. If not known in the art, these terms may be considered to be in the range of up to ±5%, ±10%, or other value higher than these ranges commonly accepted by those having ordinary skill in the art for the variable disclosed. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any elements that are not specifically disclosed herein.

Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary environment 10 of the device 12 that provides standing desk and lap desk functionality, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The device 12 operates between an expanded configuration and collapsed configuration and allows for use as a standing desk and a lap desk, respectively. FIG. 1 shows the device 12 mounted in an expanded configuration to a chair 14 for use as a standing desk. The device 12 allows a user 16 to place articles 18, such as a computer or laptop, over it with support from a chair 14 that acts as a support structure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a bottom perspective view and a side view of the device 12, respectively, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The device 12 includes a platform, or desk member, or desk platform 20. The platform 20 may be comprised of a material made of hard plastic, wood, metal or any other suitable material that provides a rigid-semi-rigid material having suitable strength and thickness. The platform 20 is capable of withstanding external pressure or weight of a user 16 placing weight on the platform 20 with articles 18, without breaking or deforming the platform 20. The platform 20 can be made in a variety of shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, square, oval or any other shape. In one example, edges of platform 20 are rounded or provided in a curved manner to prevent user 16 from getting injured by sharp edges. The platform 20 has platform top side 22 and platform bottom side 24. The platform 20 has a first end 37 opposing a platform second end 39. At the bottom side 24, the platform 20 includes a lip or ledge 26 adjacent to the platform or may be integral with the platform 20. As can be seen at least from FIG. 2B, the lip 26 has an “L-shape” structure in which one plane mounts underneath the platform 20 and another plane extends substantially perpendicularly from the platform 20 (forming an L-shape with platform 20). In other embodiments, the lip 26 may be integral with the platform 20 and extend down from the platform 20 without any separate mounting to the bottom side 24 of the platform 20. The lip 26 may be made of a material such hard plastic, wood, metal or any other suitable material. Lip 26 can mount to the platform 20 using a variety of means such as fasteners, adhesives, bolts, screws, or any other connecting means known in the art. In one example, the lip 26 runs the entire or substantial length of platform 20. In another example, the lip 26 runs over a portion of length or width of platform 20.

In one implementation, the device 12 includes a cushion or pad 28. The pad 28 is adjacent to and may mount to the lip 26 at the plane that mounts to the platform 20. In other words, the pad 28 mounts or is adjacent to the lip 26 underneath the lip 26 and is parallel or substantially parallel to platform 20 as shown in FIG. 2B. The pad 28 may be comprised of a material that is rigid, semi-rigid, or soft material and serves to protect the chair backrest 52 from abrasion against any portion of the device 12, while providing further stability to the desktop 20. In one example, the pad 28 is made of foam, rubber, plastic or any other suitable material.

The device 12 further includes a support arm 30. The support arm 30 is comprised of a material made of hard plastic, wood, metal or any other suitable material that is rigid and has suitable strength and thickness. The support arm 30 is capable of withstanding external pressure or weight of the user 16 without breaking or deforming. The support arm 30 comes in a variety of shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, cylindrical, etc. In one example, edges of the support arm 30 are rounded or provided in a curved manner to prevent the user 16 from getting injured or accidently damaging the chair 14 or any other components coming in contact with the device 12.

The support arm 30 has a hinge bracket 34. In the example shown, the hinge bracket 34 has an integrated connector region, or connector 32 at or near the first end 37 of the platform 20. In other words, the support arm 30 mounts to a hinge bracket 34 that is connected to the platform 20. The hinge bracket can be of a variety of forms and styles that a person having ordinary skill in the art would understand, and is not limited to the form of the hinge bracket 34 shown. In one embodiment shown, the hinge bracket includes a cylindrical or curved region to aid in the rotation or swivel of the support arm 30. The first end of the support arm 33 may include a first end bar 41 that fits within a curved inner region 43 of the hinge bracket 34. This arrangement, best shown in FIG. 2A through FIG. 3C where the first end bar 41 is substantially perpendicular to the support arm 30, permits the first end bar 41 to rotate within the hinge bracket 34, thus allowing the entire support arm 30 to swivel to and away from the bottom side 24 of the platform 20. In one embodiment of a hinge bracket 34, as shown in FIG. 8, there is a hinge bracket opening 45 for the first end bar 41 to fit within. The hinge bracket opening 45 allows the support arm 30 to swivel, while maintaining the first end bar 41 within the hinge bracket 34. The support arm 30 with the first end bar 41 and second end bar 36 is shown in isolation in FIG. 9. One can imagine the hinge bracket having different shapes that still allow swivelling of the support arm 30, without detracting from the spirit of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, a piece of foam, fabric, or similar semi-rigid material may be installed between the bottom side 24 of the platform 20 and hinge bracket 34 and first end bar 41 to aid in the swivel or rotation of first end bar 41 within a curved inner region 43. As can be seen from at least FIG. 2A, the hinge bracket 34 mounts to the platform 20 at bottom side 24. A person skilled in the art understands that the hinge bracket 34 can mount to platform 20 using a variety of means known in the art such as fasteners, adhesives, bolts, and screws, as examples. The hinged connection allows the support arm 30 to swivel to and from an expanded and collapsed configuration with respect to the bottom side 24 of the platform 20. Further, the support arm 30 has a second end bar 36 at the second end 35 of the support bar 30. The connector 32 and second end bar 36 mounts to the support arm 30 perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly (as best illustrated in FIG. 3B). In one example, the second end bar 36 extends the entire length or a portion of the length of the platform 20, lip 26 or pad 28. As shown in the embodiments, the support arm 30 with the hinge bracket 34 forms an approximate shape of a capital “I.” In one example, the second end bar 36 includes caps 38 at its ends. The caps 38 provide a material made of soft or semi-rigid or flexible material to prevent user 16 from getting injured or accidently damaging chair 14 or any other components coming in contact with the second end bar 36.

The support arm 30 encompasses at least one slot 40 over its length. The slot 40 can be a number of styles and may be characterized as having two (or more) side-by-side holes where the strap 42 can be threaded through one hole and back up through a second hole. Other types of slots 42 or openings that allow a strap 42 to be adjustably connected to the support arm 30 without detracting from the spirit of the invention. The slot 40 may be posited at the center, near the center, or off-center of support arm 30. As shown, the slot 40 is closer to the second end 35 of the support arm than the first end 33. The slot 40 is positioned suitably to control the angle at which support arm 30 operates between an expanded configuration (FIG. 2B) and a collapsed configuration (FIG. 3B), when used in conjunction with strap 42 (see below).

In order to control the angle of support arm 30, and to ensure the support arm 30 connects to the chair 14 without slipping while in use, device 12 includes a strap 42. The strap 42 may be made of a flexible material including, but not limited to, nylon, silicone, polyurethane rubber, etc. In other words, the strap is a flexible elongated member. The flexible material allows the support arm 30 to swing up or down, without the strap 42 impeding movement until the strap is in its fully expanded and taught position. The platform 20 includes a strap connector 44 on the bottom side 24. The strap 42 extends from the strap connector 44 and connects to or through the slot 40 on support arm 30 (FIG. 2A), which may be a loop that runs through the slot 40. In one example, the strap 42 has buckle or cam lock 46 for adjustment the length of the strap 42. In one implementation, the support arm 30 forms a U-shaped section (not shown) that provides a hollow space to store and hide the buckle 46 when the support arm 30 collapses for use as a lap desk (FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, support arm 30 is hingedly attached the bottom side of platform 24 with sufficient force to maintain the position of support arm 30 using friction only, subsequently eliminating the need for or presence of strap 42. In the current embodiment, the angle at which the support arm 30 maximally extends with respect to platform 20 to its expanded configuration (FIG. 2A) depends on length of the strap 42 and placement of the slot 40. Here, the user 16 adjusts the length of the strap 42 depending on the need and user's preference. Alternatively, the device 12 may include a plurality of slots (additional slots not shown) along the length of the support arm 30. The user may 16 connect the strap 42 at any one slot from a plurality of slots to adjust the length of the strap 42. This helps to control the angle of the support arm 30 with respect to the platform 20, depending on the shape and size of the chair 14 that is used as a base structure. In accordance with another embodiment, instead of a slot 40, the strap 42 can connect to the support arm 30 by other means, such as a magnet, adhesive, Velcro®, snap, or the like.

In accordance with one embodiment, the support arm 30 collapses under the platform 20 to bring device 12 into the collapsed configuration. FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show a perspective view, a bottom view and a side view, respectively of the device 12 in the collapsed configuration. Here, the user 16 adjusts the length of strap 42 to collapse or bring the support arm 30 closer to platform 20, or merely lifts (i.e. collapses) the support arm 30 to be adjacent and flush with to the bottom side 24 of the platform 20. The support arm 30 collapses with the help of hinge bracket 34 and comes closer to the platform 20. In one example, the length of the support arm 30 is selected such that the second end bar 36 contacts or nearly contacts the lip 26 and pad 28, and snugly fits at the lip 26 and pad 28. Here, the support arm 30 stays in contact with platform 20 when device 12 is in the collapsed configuration (FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C). The device 12 in the collapsed configuration allows for easy storage and transportation without the need for additional components to retain the parts of the device 12.

FIG. 4 shows the device 12 mounted over the chair 14 for use as a standing desk. The chair 14 may come in different shapes and sizes depending on the need of the user 16. The chair 14 may be a stationary chair or wheeled chair or any specially designed chair as known in the art. The chair 14 includes a seat 50 and a backrest 52. In the current embodiment, the device 12 mounts to the backrest 52 in the expanded configuration. In order to mount the device 12 to the backrest 52, the user 16 adjusts the angle of support arm 30 with respect to platform 20 by adjusting the length of strap 42. The user 16 rests the second end bar 36 against backrest 52 at one side of backrest, say front side, and places the lip 26 at the top of the chair 14, on other side (i.e., the rear side) of the backrest 52. The second end bar 36 and lip 26 position at opposite sides of backrest 52 and with help from the platform 20 and the support arm 30, ensure the device 12 rests stably on the backrest 52. A person skilled in the art understands that the platform 20, lip 26, support arm 30, and second end bar 36 help the device 12 to stay firmly secured to the chair 14 at the top of the backrest 52. The user 16 can adjust the angle of support arm 30 by adjusting the length of strap 42 via buckle or cam lock 46 to ensure that the platform 20 stays substantially horizontal to the ground (and substantially perpendicular to backrest 52). Here, the strap 42 ensures that the support arm 30 firmly stays in place without sliding or slipping along the backrest 52. Positioning the platform 20 horizontally allows the user 16 to place an article 18 over the platform 20 and perform tasks. FIG. 5 shows a feature of the user 16 placing an article 18 such as a laptop on the platform 20. Here, the user 16 may adjust the height of the chair 14 using known methods such that the platform 20 reaches a height as per his or her comfort. This allows the user 16 to stand and perform tasks on the article 18 that is placed on the platform 20. When the user 16 places an article 18 over the platform 20 and performs tasks, the weight of the article 18 and/or user 16 gets transferred or distributed from the platform 20 to the backrest 52 via the support arm 30 and/or lip 26. From the above, a person skilled in the art understands that the chair 14 acts as a base structure or foundation for placing the device 12 in the extended configuration over it such that the user 16 can use the device 12 as a standing desk. There is an added benefit of using the device on a height-adjustable chair because as the user 16 adjusts the height of the chair 14 the height of the device 12 can adjust dependent upon the user's preference. In at least one embodiment of the invention, second end bar 36 may be covered in a soft or padded material, such as, but not limited to, foam, polyurethane, or cloth to further protect the chair backrest 52 from damage or abrasion caused by movement of support arm 30 and second end bar 36 against backrest 52. FIG. 5 shows a user 16 standing at the rear of the chair 16 and using the device 12 (by resting the second end bar 36 against the front from of the backrest 52 and placing the lip 26 at the top and rear of the backrest 52). A person skilled in the art understands that the user 16 may stand at the front or rear of chair 14 and adjust the placement of the lip 26 and second end bar 36 to the front or rear of the backrest 52 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As the device 12 mounts over the chair 14 and the device 12 is being used as a standing desk, the device 12 utilizes only that surface area already occupied by chair 14 and saves space in a room. When not in use or when the user 16 wishes to sit on a seat 50, the user 16 adjusts the length of strap 42, or may merely lift the device 12 up and off of the chair, to loosen the grip of the support arm 30 and detaches the device 12 from backrest 52.

FIG. 6 shows a feature of the user 16 using device 12 as a lap desk. In order to use the device 12 as a lap desk, the user 16 may adjust the length of the strap 42 to collapse the support arm 20 under the platform 20 to bring the device 12 to the collapsed configuration (FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C). Even without adjusting the length of the strap 42 the user may collapse the support arm 30. Subsequently, the user 16 adjusts the platform 20 and places an article 18 over the platform 20 to perform tasks. When the support arm 30 collapses, the second end bar 36 and caps 38 align with the lip 26 to reduce the chances that any protruding elements could cause injury to the user 16. In one exemplary embodiment, the bottom side 24 of platform 20 and support arm 30 may have a layer of soft or padded material such as foam or rubber across the entire bottom side 24 and support arm 30, or portion thereof. The soft material near or on the bottom side of platform 24 and/or support arm 30 provides a cushioning effect, and provides comfort, stability, and further protection when the user 16 places the device 12 over his or her lap for use as a lap desk. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a person skilled in the art understands that the device 12 efficiently transitions from the expanded configuration (FIG. 5) allowing the user 16 to use it in a standing or upright position to the collapsed configuration, allowing the user 16 to operate in the seated position (FIG. 6).

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary feature in which the user 16 uses the device 12 as a lap desk or study pad or study board, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Here, the user 16 places another article 54, different from the original article 18, say a notebook, on the platform 20 and performs tasks such as writing, for example. Similarly, a user 16 may sit on ground or recline on a bed and place the device 12 over his or her lap for use as a lap desk.

Although the above description is explained considering that the device 12 mounts to a chair 14 for use as a standing desk, it is possible to mount the device 12 to any standing structure and adjust angle of the support arm 30 for use as a standing desk without departing from the scope of present invention. Any such modifications or improvements fall within the scope of the present invention.

When not in use, the user 16 collapses the support arm 30 under the platform 20 to configure the device 12 in the collapsed configuration (FIG. 3B, for example) for easy storage and transportation. The device 12 comes in a portable configuration and allows for easy storage and transportation. In one example, the platform 20 is approximately 19 inches wide by 15.5 inches deep and 0.5 inches thick. The support arm 30 has dimensions of approximately 15 inches long and 7.5 inches wide, at its widest section. The lip 26 has dimensions of approximately 15 inches long and 1.5 inches in height. The dimensions are only for illustrative purposes and are not limited to any particular dimension.

The device 12 can mount to any chair 14 having a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. As such, the device 12 allows a user 16 to use the device 12 as a standing desk for performing tasks such as operating a computer placed over the platform 20. A user 16 may maneuver the chair 14 (wheeled chair) to a suitable place, adjust height of the chair 14, adjust the angle of the support arm 30 and use the device 12 as a standing desk (FIG. 5). The device 12 can mount to an existing chair 14 without additional components or tools. As such, there is no need for a user 16 to attain a separate standing desk and/or lap desk as in the known art. Further, the device 12 mounts or rests on the top of the chair 14 and uses the space already occupied by the chair 14, saving space within a room or office when compared with existing standing desks. After use, the user 16 uninstalls the device 12 from the chair 14 and uses the chair 14 for sitting on a seat 50 with support from the backrest 52 as known in the art.

The embodiments provide for several advantages over the prior art. For example, the device is portable and allows for easy storage and transportation. The device is relatively small and comes in a lightweight configuration. As such, the user can easily carry the device for use at home and office. A person skilled in the art understands that the device requires less resources and materials to manufacture, making less of an ecological or environmental impact on the earth's resources. The device can be manufactured more inexpensively than most standing desks and, therefore, be sold to users at a lower price point than many standing desks that are currently on the market.

The presently disclosed device provides a standing desk that is easily attachable to and detachable from an existing chair. As such, the user can utilize any existing chair as a traditional sitting device, or as the supporting structure for the presently disclosed device to operate as an upright workstation, standing desk, or podium for presentations. The presently disclosed device provides multi-functionality, i.e. the device allows the user with a workstation, that may either be used as a standing desk, utilized when the user is in an upright or standing position, as a podium or lectern, or as a lap desk upon the user's lap while the user is sitting. As such, there is no need for a separate standing desk and lap desk as in the known art. The device attaches to any existing chair or vertical structure (frame or panel) without occupying additional surface or ground area within a given room or office, while effectively utilizing the benefits of the existing chair or vertical structure, such as, but not limited to, the existing height-adjustment capability of the existing chair or structure, and portability or method of movement, via wheels or other methods, of the existing chair or vertical structure. Further, this allows the user to efficiently utilize the space, more specifically the floor surface area, within a given environment, room or office while gaining the benefits of a standing table or desk.

The device allows the user one solution that is both a lap desk that can be used in the seated position, and a standing desk that can be used in the upright position; therefore, the user may not have the need for a traditional table or desk. In other words, the device offers the user a substitute or alternative to a traditional sitting desk or standing desk. The device provides a cost-effective alternative to many full-sized standing desks, allowing the user to gain the benefits of a standing desk for a smaller capital investment.

While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and not of limitation. As is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, a variety of modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following claims, which should be given their fullest, fair scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a platform having a platform first end, an opposing platform second end, a top side and a bottom side; a support arm having a support arm first end opposing a support arm second end, wherein the support arm first end is hingedly connected to the platform, thereby allowing the support arm to hingedly swivel into an expanded and collapsed configuration with respect to the platform; and, a lip extending downward from the second end of the platform, wherein the lip is capable of mounting over a top of a chair, and wherein the second end of the support arm is capable of bracing against the chair, thereby causing the platform to mount substantially parallel to a ground so that the device can be used as a standing desk or podium.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the lip and the support arm mount at opposite sides of a backrest of the chair.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a strap extending from the bottom side of the platform and connecting the support arm to the bottom side of the platform.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the length of the strap is adjustable for controlling the angle of the support arm with respect to platform and ensuring the support arm stays in position.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the strap comprises a buckle for adjusting the length of the strap.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the lip extends perpendicularly from the platform and provides support for mounting the platform on top of the chair.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the lip is characterized as having an L-shape structure, in which one plane is mounted to the platform and another plane extends substantially perpendicular from the platform.
 8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a first end bar adjacent the first end of the support arm and second end bar adjacent the second end of the support arm, and wherein both the first end bar and the second end bar are substantially perpendicular to support arm and the second end bar is adapted to brace against the chair, and wherein a weight of the platform is distributed to the chair via the second end bar.
 9. The device of claim 8, further comprising caps at the second end bar's ends, thereby preventing injuries to a user of the device, and preventing damage to the chair.
 10. The device of claim 3, wherein the support arm comprises a plurality of slots along its length for receiving the strap, and wherein the strap is capable of being inserted through the plurality of slots, thereby allowing the length of the strap to control the angle of the support arm with respect to the platform, and ensuring the support arm stays in position.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a strap connector on the bottom side of the platform, for connecting the strap to the platform.
 12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a pad made of soft or rigid material adjacent to the lip.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the support arm is adapted to collapse under the bottom side of the platform, thereby allowing the platform for use as a lap desk.
 14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a layer made of a soft material adjacent to the bottom side of the platform, thereby providing a cushioning effect when the platform is used as the lap desk.
 15. A method of providing a device for use as a standing desk, the method comprising steps of: providing a platform having a flat configuration, a bottom side and a top side; providing a support arm, the support arm having a support arm first end and a support arm second end, the support arm second end connected hingedly to the bottom side of the platform; providing a strap connecting the platform and the support arm; providing a lip adjacent to the platform, the lip extending substantially perpendicular from the platform; mounting the lip over one side of a chair; resting the support arm second end against the chair for mounting the platform substantially parallel to ground; and, adjusting the length of the strap for controlling the angle of the support arm with respect to the platform, thereby ensuring the support arm stays in position for use of the platform as a standing desk.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing a bar at the second end of the support arm for distributing the weight of the platform to the chair.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing a pad adjacent to the lip, thereby preventing abrasive movement of the platform against the chair.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising collapsing the support arm against the bottom side of the platform for using the platform as a lap desk. 